On Thursday, February 15, 2018 at approximately 6pm, we received an email from a student alerting us to an anonymous social media posting regarding a threat of violence at B.M.C. Durfee High School.

We immediately began an investigation, working closely with the Fall River Police Department, to ascertain the validity of the threat and make a determination of threat level assessment.

Based on the facts as we knew them, we determined the threat was not credible; however, out of an abundance of caution, we increased our level of security at B.M.C. Durfee High School today, Friday, February 16, 2018.

As such, we employed the use of metal detectors and bag checks. We also had additional police presence, working in partnership with the Fall River Police Department. Attendance was down today, as to be expected, but school was safe and learning and teaching was happening in our classrooms.

The Fall River Police Department is investigating all leads regarding the origin of the anonymous social media post. The FBI is presently assisting the Fall River Police Department in this effort.

No other information can be released at this time so as not to jeopardize the investigation. We encourage anyone who may have any information regarding the origin of the anonymous social media post to please contact the Fall River Police Department.

Further, we ask that parents help us by monitoring their child’s social media activity as well as ensure that their backpacks and belongings are always safe.

Honest, open communication is always the first line of defense in the prevention of school violence. We will always keep these lines of communication open.

B.M.C. Durfee High School is a safe and secure high school. The school leadership team, the faculty and staff, the school resource officers, the security officers, and our counseling professionals maintain rigorous safety and security protocols and procedures on a daily basis.